Gemotions

The morning air nipped at Coach Miller’s cheeks as he strode across the dewy field. He whistled a forgotten tune, something from his high school days, a song about a girl and a summer he couldn't quite remember. His pace was brisk, his steps light. He felt an unusual clarity, a sense of rightness, even knowing what he had to do. The weight that had settled in his chest for weeks, a dull ache of dread, was gone.

He found Emily leaning against the fence, her shoulders slumped. He forced a smile, a genuine one this time, the tightness in his jaw gone. “Morning, Emily. You look like you're ready to run a marathon.”

Emily gave a weak smile in response. He cleared his throat. "Let's go for a walk."